Double bombing kills 4 in Syria's Homs: governor

Image
AFP Damascus
Last Updated : May 12 2015 | 5:42 PM IST
At least four people were killed and 17 wounded in a double bomb blast in Syria's central city of Homs today, the provincial governor said.
Governor Talal Barazi said the blasts were caused by motorbikes rigged with explosives in the Wadi Dahab and Al-Zahra neighbourhoods of the city.
He said four people were killed and 17 wounded in the two districts which are both predominantly Alawite -- the sect to which President Bashar al-Assad belongs.
"The attacks are intended to disrupt security and stability in Homs," Barazi told AFP, accusing the perpetrators of wanting "to target the city at all costs".
Barazi said motorbikes rigged with explosives had been used in a bid to "evade checkpoints" set up in the city to defend it from would-be attackers.
Both Wadi Dahab and Al-Zahra have been targeted in previous bombings, along with several other Alawite-majority districts of Homs.
The city was around 25 percent Alawite before the conflict began in March 2011, with most of the community living in its southern and southeastern neighbourhoods.
All but one district of Homs are under government control after rebels withdrew from the area following a punishing regime siege.
More than 220,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began with anti-government protests before spiralling into a war after a regime crackdown.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: May 12 2015 | 5:42 PM IST

Next Story